Known colloquially as “The Red City” for the prevalence of red sandstone architecture, Marrakesh is packed with mosques, palaces, and markets ringed by old fortified city walls. In keeping with the local vernacular, the 14,000-square-meter Marrakesh Congress Center would be built with red natural stone. Its blocky form brings to mind strength and fortification. The facade’s patterned perforations allow diffused natural light to pass into the interior while blocking unwanted solar gain.